Vintage wedding dresses in museums

he art of dress reached a highpoint of elegance and refinement during the Edwardian and Victorian era that has, in the opinion of many, never been equaled. It was the wedding gown, of course, that became the ultimate display of the Victorian obsession with grace, morality, and character. All of these ideas are reflected in the studied drapery and classical elegance of the Victorian and Edwardian bridal gown. The six wonderful gowns shown below would have been lost to us, if not for the museum caretakers who recognized their magnificence and preserved them. Changes in both fashion and social attitude have made it unlikely that we shall ever see their like again. They are presented here with special thanks to the Cincinnati Art Museum.

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